Team Roping Duo of Kaleb Driggers, Junior Nogueira Closes in on WNFR Buckles

Team roping is often referred to as a marriage. And to find success in rodeo's only collaborative event, teammates need a game plan, mental strength, and the ability to capitalize under the pressure.

Nowhere is this more true than under the bright lights of Las Vegas at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where headers and heelers have 10 days to work together in pursuit of a pair of coveted gold buckles and the title of world champions.

While the event has been dominated for years by a handful of familiar names, this year's WNFR on December 1-10 may usher in a new era with header Kaleb Driggers and heeler Junior Nogueira leading the standings.

Watch the 2016 WNFR International Stream LIVE Dec. 1-10 (not available in the U.S.)


Driggers has a $14,846 lead over No. 2 header Clay Smith, and Nogueira holds a $13,557 advantage over second-place heeler Paul Eaves. Although this is the first year Driggers and Nogueira will compete at the WNFR together, neither cowboy is a stranger to the winner's circle with 16 wins at rodeos this year.

Driggers and Nogueira will look to carry over that success to the Thomas & Mack Center, which is known for its speedy layout that produces fast throws and quick times. The frenetic atmosphere provides good entertainment for fans, but it can prove to be a challenge for competitors.

Each round awards $26,000 for first place and the average pays over $67,000 to the winner. With the highest prize totals in WNFR history on the line, neither Drigger's nor Nogueira's leads are safe and each header and heeler in the top 15 is still within reach of a gold buckle.

Here's a look at the team pairings heading into this year's WNFR:

WNFR Team Roping Pairings:

1) Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira
2) Clay Smith and Paul Eaves
3) Luke Brown and Jake Long
4) Kolton Schmidt and Shay Carroll
5) Dustin Bird and Russell Cardoza
6) Colby Lovell and Travis Graves
7) Riley Minor and Brady Minor
8) Erich Rogers and Cory Petska
9) Garrett Rogers and Jake Minor
10) Zac Small and Wesley Thorp
11) Matt Sherwood and Quinn Kesler
12) Cody Snow and Dugan Kelly
13) Tyler Wade and Dakota Kirchenschlager
14) Levi Simpson and Jeremy Buhler
15) Coleman Proctor and Billie Jack Saebens

How to Watch

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